SAPS destroys nearly 12,000 illegal firearms in nationwide crime crackdown

Weapons

Cape Town – The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Wednesday destroyed 11,859 firearms and firearm parts as part of its ongoing efforts to remove illegal weapons from circulation and combat violent crime.

The destruction process, held in Gauteng, marks the first firearm destruction exercise of the 2026/27 financial year and coincides with the United Nations’ International Day for the Destruction of Small Arms and Light Weapons, observed annually on 9 July.

According to SAPS, handguns made up the overwhelming majority of the firearms destroyed, with 9,596 pistols accounting for 81% of the total. They were followed by 1,102 rifles (9%), 798 shotguns (6.73%), while the remaining 363 items (2.25%) comprised combinations of firearms and firearm parts.

Police said the firearms were collected through policing operations across the country and were subsequently forfeited to the State, while others were surrendered voluntarily.

The largest proportion of the firearms destroyed originated from voluntary surrenders, accounting for 61% of the total. Firearms seized through police operations made up 33%, while those handed in during firearm amnesty periods accounted for 4.54%. A further 1.22% were linked to cases involving violence against women and children.

SAPS said it has destroyed a total of 317,811 firearms over the past seven years as part of its campaign to reduce the number of illegal weapons in circulation.

Deputy Minister of Police Dr Polly Boshielo officiated at the destruction process alongside Divisional Commissioner for Visible Policing and Operations Lieutenant General Maropeng Mamothethi, Head of Firearms Compliance and Enforcement Brigadier Simon Bopape, Acting Component Head for Firearm, Liquor and Second-Hand Goods (FLASH) Brigadier Nonhlanhla Sikhakhane and other senior SAPS officials.

Police said the destruction of illegal firearms remains a key strategy in preventing firearms from being used in criminal activities and strengthening public safety.

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